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1. Home Buyers’ Plan

Qualifying home buyers can withdraw up to $35,000 (couples up to $70,000) from their RRSPs for a down payment. Must repay within 15 years. Eligibility to use the program a second time: home buyers who’ve experienced a breakdown in their marriage/common-law partnership and those who have repaid their RRSP. Can be used together with the First Home Savings Account program. Canada Revenue Agency.

Learn more.

2. First Home Savings Account

Qualifying first-time buyers can contribute up to $8,000 yearly to a maximum of $40,000 towards a downpayment. Contributions are tax deductible; Capital gains (earnings) and interest are tax-free. Can be used together with the Home Buyers’ Plan.

Learn more.

3. CMHC First-time Home Buyers’ Incentive

Qualifying first-time home buyers with annual household incomes <$120,000 and a five per cent down payment, a 10 per cent shared equity mortgage for a newly constructed home OR a 5% shared equity mortgage for an existing home. Buyer repays the incentive later or at re-sale. Incentive reduces the amount of monthly mortgage payments.

Learn more.

4. BC Property Transfer Tax (PTT) First-Time Home Buyers’ Program

Qualifying first-time buyers may be exempt from paying the PTT (one per cent on the first $200,000 and two per cent on the remainder of the purchase price) of a resale home priced up to $500,000. Proportional exemption for homes priced $500,000 - $525,000. At $525,000+ no exemption. Foreign entities, taxable trustee ineligible.

Learn more. 1-888-355-2700.

5. BC PTT Newly Built Home Exemption

Qualifying buyers of new homes may be exempt from paying the PTT on a newly built home or newly subdivided unit priced up to $750,000 and a partial exemption on newly built homes priced $750,000 to $800,000.

Learn more. 1-888-355-2700. 

6. First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit

Eligible persons who bought a qualifying home can claim the homebuyers’ amount of $10,000 on Line 31270 of Schedule 1 when filing their 2022 income tax and benefit returns.

Learn more and here. 1-800-959-8281.

7. GST/HST New Housing Rebate

New home buyers can apply for a rebate for the five per cent GST if the purchase price is $350,000 or less. The rebate is equal to 36 per cent of the GST to a maximum rebate of $6,300. There is a proportional GST rebate for new homes costing between $350,000 & $450,000. There is no rebate for homes priced at $450,000+.

Learn more. 1-800-959-8287.

8. CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance Premium Refund

Provides home buyers with CMHC mortgage insurance, up to a 25 per cent premium refund and possible extended amortization without surcharge when buyers purchase an energy efficient home or make energy saving renovations.

Learn more. 604-731-5733.

9. BC Home Owner Grant

Reduces property taxes for home owners with an assessed or partitioned value up to $2.125 million. Grant reduced by $5 for each $1,000 above the threshold. The home owner grant threshold applies across the province. The amounts are:

  • $570 for the basic grant;
  • $770 if the home is located in a northern or rural area;
  • Up to $845 for home owners age 65 and more or a home owner with a disability; and
  • Up to $1,045 for home owners age 65 and more or a home owner with a disability where the home is in a northern or rural area.

Learn more. hogadmin@gov.bc.ca. 1-888-355-2700.

10. BC Property Tax Deferment Programs

  • Property Tax Deferment Program for Seniors: qualifying homeowners aged 55+ can defer property taxes. Financial Hardship Property Tax Deferment Program: qualifying low-income homeowners can defer property taxes.
  • Property Tax Deferment Program for Families with Children: qualifying homeowners who financially support children under age 18 can defer property taxes.

Learn more. Vancouver: 1-888-355-2700 or 250-387-0555.

11. Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit

Families adding a secondary unit to their home for an immediate or extended family member to live with them can claim a 15 per cent tax credit for up to $50,000 in renovation and construction costs.

Learn more.

12. Home Accessibility Tax Credit

Doubles the qualifying expense limit of qualifying home renovations up to $20,000 for 2022 and subsequent years. This tax credit is up to $3,000 for accessibility renovations or alterations.

Learn more and here.

13. Home buyers’ tax credit for persons with disabilities

Persons with disabilities, or persons with a spouse or common-law partner with disabilities, may be eligible for a disability tax credit, even if they’re not a first-time homebuyer.

Learn more.

14. Tax deductions for moving for work

Persons who got a new job and moved a minimum of 40 kilometers closer to work, may be able to deduct all moving costs, including the costs of selling real estate, ending a lease or mortgage, flights, movers, and temporary housing.

Learn more.

15. BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA)

This program provides up to $17,500 in rebates for adaptations to a home. Must be a resident of BC with limited income and assets. Eligible households include homeowners and joint applications from tenants and landlords – someone in the household must have a permanent disability or loss of ability.

Learn More. 604-433-2218 or 1-800-257-7756.

16. Home Renovation Tax Credit for seniors and persons with disabilities

Assists eligible seniors 65+ with the cost of eligible permanent home renovations to a principal residence to improve accessibility. Maximum refundable credit: $1,000 per tax year, calculated as 10 per cent of the qualifying renovation expense (maximum $10,000). Forms are available online.

Learn more. 1-800-959-8281.

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An increase in newly listed properties is providing more choice to home buyers across Metro Vancouver, but sales remain below long-term averages.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 1,996 in October 2023, a 3.7 per cent increase from the 1,924 sales recorded in October 2022. This total is 29.5 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,832) for October.

“With properties coming to market at a rate roughly five per cent above the ten-year seasonal average, there seems to be a continuation of the renewed interest on the part of sellers to participate in the market that we’ve been watching this fall,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director of economics and data analytics said. “Counterbalancing this increase in supply, however, is the fact sales remain almost 30 per cent below their ten-year seasonal average, which tells us demand is not as strong as we might expect this time of year.”

There were 4,664 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in October 2023. This represents a 15.4 per cent increase compared to the 4,043 properties listed in October 2022 and is 4.8 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (4,449) for the month.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 11,599, a 12.6 per cent increase compared to October 2022 (10,305). This change is also 0.6 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (11,526).

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for October 2023 is 17.9 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 12.9 per cent for detached homes, 20.9 per cent for attached, and 21.5 per cent for apartments.

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“With more supply in the form of resale inventory, and weaker demand in the form of slower sales, we’ve seen market conditions overall adjust towards more balanced conditions. It’s noteworthy that the multifamily segment remains more active than the detached segment at this time,” Lis said. “While the highest borrowing costs we’ve seen in over a decade continue to constrain affordability, a silver lining for buyers is that price increases have abated with these more balanced market conditions, meaning purchasing power is holding steady for the moment.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,196,500. This represents a 4.4 per cent increase over October 2022 and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to September 2023.

Sales of detached homes in October 2023 reached 577, a 0.7 per cent decrease from the 581 detached sales recorded in October 2022. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,001,400. This represents a 5.8 per cent increase from October 2022 and a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to September 2023.

Sales of apartment homes reached 1,044 in October 2023, a 4.9 per cent increase compared to the 995 sales in October 2022. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $770,200. This represents a 6.4 per cent increase from October 2022 and a 0.2 per cent increase compared to September 2023.

Attached home sales in October 2023 totalled 356, a 6.6 per cent increase compared to the 334 sales in October 2022. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,100,500. This represents a 6 per cent increase from October 2022 and a 0.2 per cent increase compared to September 2023.

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Home prices across all home types in Metro Vancouver rose again in July, as strong sales figures continue to push up against low levels of housing inventory in the region. 


The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 2,455 in July 2023, a 28.9 per cent increase from the 1,904 sales recorded in July 2022. This was 15.6 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,909). 


“While sales remain about 15 per cent below the ten-year average, they are also up about 30 per cent year-over-year, which is not insignificant,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director of economics and data analytics said. “Looking under the hood of these figures, it’s easy to see why sales are posting such a large year-over-year percentage increase. Last July marked the point when the Bank of Canada announced their ‘super-sized’ increase to the policy rate of one full per cent, catching buyers and sellers off guard, and putting a chill on market activity at that time.” 


There were 4,649 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in July 2023. This represents a 17 per cent increase compared to the 3,975 homes listed in July 2022. This was 5.2 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (4,902). 


The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 10,301, a four per cent decrease compared to July 2022 (10,734). This was 14.4 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (12,039). 


Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for July 2023 is 24.9 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 16.5 per cent for detached homes, 32 per cent for townhomes, and 30.6 per cent for apartments. 


Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. 


“What’s interesting to see in the current market environment is that, while the Bank of Canada rate hike this July was only a quarter of a per cent, mortgage rates are now at the highest levels we’ve seen in Canada in over ten years,” Lis said. “Yet despite borrowing costs being even higher than last July, sales activity surpassed the levels we saw last year, which I think says a lot about the strength of demand in our market and buyers’ ability to adapt to and qualify for higher borrowing costs.” 


The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,210,700. This represents a 0.5 per cent increase over July 2022 and a 0.6 per cent increase compared to June 2023. 


Sales of detached homes in July 2023 reached 681, a 28.7 per cent increase from the 529 detached sales in July 2022. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,012,900. This represents a 0.6 per cent increase from July 2022 and a 1.1 per cent increase compared to June 2023. 


Sales of apartment homes reached 1,281 in July 2023, a 20.7 per cent increase compared to the 1,061 sales in July 2022. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $771,600. This represents a 2.6 per cent increase from July 2022 and a 0.6 per cent increase compared to June 2023. 


Attached home sales in July 2023 totalled 466, a 53.3 per cent increase compared to the 304 sales in July 2022. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,104,600. This represents a 1.2 per cent increase from July 2022 and a 0.5 per cent increase compared to June 2023. 

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Home prices continue to rise in Metro Vancouver’s housing market to kick off the summer

Continuing the trend that has emerged in the housing market this year, the benchmark price for all home types in Metro Vancouver increased in June as home buyer demand butted up against a limited inventory of homes for sale in the region.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 2,988 in June 2023, a 21.1 per cent increase from the 2,467 sales recorded in June 2022. This was 8.6 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (3,269).

“The market continues to outperform expectations across all segments, but the apartment segment showed the most relative strength in June,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director of economics and data analytics said. “The benchmark price of apartment homes is almost cresting the peak reached in 2022, while sales of apartments are now above the region’s ten-year seasonal average. This uniquely positions the apartment segment relative to the attached and detached segments where sales remained below the ten-year seasonal averages.”

There were 5,348 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in June 2023. This represents a 1.3 per cent increase compared to the 5,278 homes listed in June 2022. This was 3.1 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (5,518).

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,990, a 7.9 per cent decrease compared to June 2022 (10,842) This was 17.4 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (12,091).

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for June 2023 is 31.4 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 20.9 per cent for detached homes, 38.5 per cent for townhomes, and 39.4 per cent for apartments.

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“Despite elevated borrowing costs, there continues to be too little resale inventory available relative to the pool of buyers in Metro Vancouver. This is the fundamental reason we continue to see prices increase month over month across all segments,” Lis said. “With the benchmark price for apartments now standing at $767,000, we repeat our call to the provincial government to adjust the $525,000 threshold exempting first-time home buyers from the Property Transfer Tax to better reflect the price of entry-level homes in our region. This is a simple policy adjustment that could help more first-time buyers afford a home right now.” 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,203,000. This represents a 2.4 per cent decrease over June 2022 and a 1.3 per cent increase compared to May 2023.

Sales of detached homes in June 2023 reached 848, a 28.3 per cent increase from the 661 detached sales recorded in June 2022. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,991,300. This represents a 3.2 per cent decrease from June 2022 and a 1.9 per cent increase compared to May 2023.

Sales of apartment homes reached 1,573 in June 2023, an 18.6 per cent increase compared to the 1,326 sales in June 2022. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $767,000. This represents a 0.5 per cent increase from June 2022 and a 0.8 per cent increase compared to May 2023.

Attached home sales in June 2023 totalled 547, a 17.6 per cent increase compared to the 465 sales in June 2022. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,098,900. This represents a one per cent decrease from June 2022 and a 1.5 per cent increase compared to May 2023.

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While the year started slower than usual, Metro Vancouver’s housing market is showing signs of heating up as summer arrives, with prices increasing for the sixth consecutive month. 


The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 3,411 in May 2023, which is a 15.7 per cent increase from the 2,947 sales recorded in May 2022, and a 1.4 per cent decline from the 10-year seasonal average (3,458). 


“Back in January, few people would have predicted prices to be up as much as they are – ourselves included,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director of economics and data analytics said. “Our forecast projected prices to be up modestly in 2023 by about two per cent at year-end. Instead, Metro Vancouver home prices are already up about six per cent or more across all home types at the midway point of the year.” 


There were 5,661 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in May 2023. This represents an 11.5 per cent decrease compared to the 6,397 homes listed in May 2022, and was 4.3 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (5,917). 


The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,293, a 10.5 per cent decrease compared to May 2022 (10,382), and 20.6 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (11,705). 


Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for May 2023 is 38.4 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 28.5 per cent for detached homes, 45 per cent for townhomes, and 45.5 per cent for apartments. 


Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. 


“You don’t have to squint to see the reason prices continue to increase. The fundamental issue remains that there are more buyers relative to the number of willing sellers in the market. This is keeping the amount of resale homes available in short supply,” Lis said. “And in a surprising twist, MLS® sales in May snapped back closer to historical averages than we’ve seen in the recent past, despite mortgage rates being where they are now, and new listing activity having been slower than usual this spring. If mortgage rates weren’t holding back market activity so much right now, I think our market would look a lot like the heydays of 2021/22, or even 2016/17.” 


The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,188,000. This represents a 5.6 per cent decrease over May 2022 and a 1.3 per cent increase compared to April 2023. 


Sales of detached homes in May 2023 reached 1,043, a 30.7 per cent increase from the 798 detached sales recorded in May 2022. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,953,600. This represents a 6.7 per cent decrease from May 2022 and a 1.8 per cent increase compared to April 2023. 


Sales of apartment homes reached 1,730 in May 2023, a 7.9 per cent increase compared to the 1,604 sales in May 2022. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $760,800. This represents a two per cent decrease from May 2022 and a 1.1 per cent increase compared to April 2023. 


Attached home sales in May 2023 totalled 608, a 16.7 per cent increase compared to the 521 sales in May 2022. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,083,000. This represents a 4.7 per cent decrease from May 2022 and a 0.2 per cent increase compared to April 2023. 

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Home prices across Metro Vancouver’s housing market showed modest increases in March, while new listings remained below long-term historical averages.  

March data also indicates home sales are making a stronger than expected spring showing so far, despite elevated borrowing costs. 

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 2,5352 in March 2023, a 42.5 per cent decrease from the 4,405 sales recorded in March 2022, and 28.4 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (3,540). 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,143,900. This represents a 9.5 per cent decrease over March 2022 and a 1.8 per cent increase compared to February 2023. 

“On the pricing side, the spring market is already on track to outpace our 2023 forecast, which anticipated modest price increases of about one to two per cent across all product types,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director of economics and data analytics said. “The surprising part of this recent activity is that these price increases are occurring against a backdrop of elevated borrowing costs, below-average sales, and new listing activity that continues to suggest that sellers are awaiting more favorable market conditions.” 

There were 4,317 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in March 2023. This represents a 35.5 per cent decrease compared to the 6,690 homes listed in March 2022, and was 22.3 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (5,553). 

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 8,617, an 8.1 per cent increase compared to March 2022 (7,970), and 17.3 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (10,421). 

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for March 2023 is 30.7 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 23.3 per cent for detached homes, 36.7 per cent for townhomes, and 34.9 per cent for apartments. 

Analysis of historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. 

“If home sellers remain on the sidelines, monthly MLS® sales figures will continue to appear lower than historical averages as we move toward summer,” Lis said. “But it’s important to recognize the chicken-and-egg nature of these statistics. The number of sales in any given month is partially determined by the number of homes that come to market that month, along with the inventory of unsold homes listed in previous months. With fewer homes coming on the market, homes sales will remain lower than we’re accustomed to seeing at this point in the year, almost entirely by definition.” 

Sales of detached homes in March 2023 reached 734, a 43.6 per cent decrease from the 1,302 detached sales recorded in March 2022. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,861,800. This represents an 11.2 per cent decrease from March 2022 and a 2.7 per cent increase compared to February 2023. 

Sales of apartment homes reached 1,311 in March 2023, a 43.2 per cent decrease compared to the 2,310 sales in March 2022. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $737,400. This represents a 4.6 per cent decrease from March 2022 and a 0.7 per cent increase compared to February 2023. 

Attached home sales in March 2023 totalled 466, a 37.3 per cent decrease compared to the 743 sales in March 2022. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $1,056,400. This represents a 7.8 per cent decrease from March 2022 and a 1.7 per cent increase compared to February 2023. 

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I have sold a property at 307 7428 19TH AVE in Burnaby

I have sold a property at 307 7428 19TH AVE in Burnaby. See details here

Private and quiet top floor unit, with large balcony overlooking courtyard to enjoy the morning sun. Building is well maintained and unit comes with one parking and one storage locker. Just steps away from Edmonds Community Centre, supermarket and transportation. Easy access to Edmonds Skytrain station and HighGate Mall. Easy to show, call for an appointment.

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Inventory remains low in Metro Vancouver while home sales dipped well below monthly historical averages in January.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,022 in January 2023, a 55.3 per cent decrease from the 2,285 sales recorded in January 2022, and a 21.1 per cent decrease from the 1,295 homes sold in December 2022.

Last month’s sales were 42.9 per cent below the 10-year January sales average.

“Due to seasonality, market activity is quieter in January. With mortgage rates having risen so rapidly over the last year, we anticipated sales this month would be among the lowest in recent history,” said Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director, economics and data analytics. “Looking forward, however, the Bank of Canada has said that it will pause further rate increases as long as the incoming economic data continues to support this policy stance. This should provide more certainty for home buyers and sellers in the market.”

There were 3,297 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in January 2023. This represents a 20.9 per cent decrease compared to the 4,170 homes listed in January 2022 and a 173.4 per cent increase compared to December 2022 when 1,206 homes were listed.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 7,478, a 32.1 per cent increase compared to January 2022 (5,663) and a 1.3 per cent increase compared to December 2022 (7,384).

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for January 2023 is 13.7 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 10.2 per cent for detached homes, 13.4 per cent for townhomes, and 16.7 per cent for apartments.

Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“We know the peak for prices in our market occurred last spring. Over the coming months, year-over-year data comparisons will show larger price declines than we’ve been reporting up to now,” said Lis. “It’s important to understand that year-over-year calculations are backward-looking. These price declines already happened, and what we are seeing today is that prices may have found a footing, even if it’s an awkward one sandwiched between low inventory and higher borrowing costs.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,111,400. This represents a 6.6 per cent decrease over January 2022 and a 0.3 per cent decrease compared to December 2022.

Sales of detached homes in January 2023 reached 295, a 52.6 per cent decrease from the 622 detached sales recorded in January 2022. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,801,300. This represents a 9.1 per cent decrease from January 2022 and a 1.2 per cent decrease compared to December 2022.

Sales of apartment homes reached 571 in January 2023, a 56.6 per cent decrease compared to the 1,315 sales in January 2022. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $720,700. This represents a 1.1 per cent decrease from January 2022 and a one per cent increase compared to December 2022.

Attached home sales in January 2023 totalled 156, a 55.2 per cent decrease compared to the 348 sales in January 2022. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,020,400. This represents a three per cent decrease from January 2022 and a 0.8 per cent increase compared to December 2022.

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New property listed in Edmonds BE, Burnaby East

I have listed a new property at 307 7428 19TH AVE in Burnaby. See details here

Private and quiet top floor unit, with large balcony overlooking courtyard to enjoy the morning sun. Building is well maintained and unit comes with one parking and one storage locker. Just steps away from Edmonds Community Centre, supermarket and transportation. Easy access to Edmonds Skytrain station and HighGate Mall. Easy to show, call for an appointment.

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Rising mortgage rates brought uncertainty and caution to Metro Vancouver’s housing market in 2022 

After seeing record sales and prices during the pandemic, Metro Vancouver’s* housing market experienced a year of caution in 2022 due to rising borrowing costs fueled by the Bank of Canada’s ongoing battle with inflation. 

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 28,903 in 2022, a 34.3 per cent decrease from the 43,999 sales recorded in 2021, and a 6.6 per cent decrease from the 30,944 homes sold in 2020. 

Last year’s sales total was 13.4 per cent below the 10-year sales average. 

“The headline story in our market in 2022 was all about inflation and the Bank of Canada’s efforts to bring inflation back to target by rapidly raising the policy rate. This is a story we expect to continue to make headlines into 2023, as inflationary pressures remain persistent across Canada,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director, economics and data analytics said. 

Home listings on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver reached 53,865 in 2022. This is a 13.5 per cent decrease compared to the 62,265 homes listed in 2021 and a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to the 54,305 homes listed in 2020. 

Last year’s listings total was 3.2 per cent below the region’s 10-year average. 

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 7,384, a 41 per cent increase compared to December 2021 (5,236) and a  19.6 per cent decrease compared to November 2022 ( 9,179). 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,114,300. This represents a 3.3 per cent decrease over December 2021, a 1.5 per cent decrease compared to November 2022, and a 9.8 per cent decrease over the past six months. 

“Closing out 2022, the data show that the Bank of Canada’s decisions to increase the policy rate at seven of the eight interest rate announcement dates in 2022 has translated into downward pressure on home sale activity and, to a lesser extent, home prices in Metro Vancouver,” Lis said. “While the consensus among many economists and forecasters suggest the Bank of Canada may be near the end of this tightening cycle, rates may remain elevated for longer than previously expected since the latest inflation figures aren’t showing signs of abating quickly. We’ll watch the 2023 spring market closely to see if buyers and sellers have adjusted to the higher borrowing-costs and are participating more actively in the market than we have seen over the last 12 months.” 


LOOKING AHEAD TO 2023the consensus among most economists and professional forecasters is that the Bank of Canada is likely near the end of the current interest rate tightening cycle.  Mortgage rates may remain elevated for some time however, as inflation remains a concern for the Bank of Canada, limiting their ability to decrease the policy rate in the near-term.



December 2022 summary in Greater Vamcouver

Residential home sales in the region totalled 1,295 in December 2022, a 51.8 per cent decrease from the 2,688 sales recorded in December 2021, and a 19.8 per cent decrease from the 1,614 homes sold in November 2022. 

Last month’s sales were 37.7 per cent below the 10-year December sales average. 

There were 1,206 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver in December 2022. This represents a 38 per cent decrease compared to the 1,945 homes listed in December 2021 and a 60.5 per cent decrease compared to November 2022 when 3,055 homes were listed. 

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for December 2022 is 17.5 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 12.3 per cent for detached homes, 19.5 per cent for townhomes, and 21.7 per cent for apartments. 

Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. 

Sales of detached homes in December 2022 reached 371, a 53.3 per cent decrease from the 794 detached sales recorded in December 2021. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,823,300. This represents a 5.1 per cent decrease from December 2021, a 1.8 per cent decrease compared to November 2022, and a 11.4 per cent decrease over the past six months. 

Sales of apartment homes reached 702 in December 2022, a 52 per cent decrease compared to the 1,464 sales in December 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $713,700. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase from December 2021, a 0.9 per cent decrease compared to November 2022, and a 6.9 per cent decrease over the past six months. 

Attached home sales in December 2022 totalled 222, a 48.4 per cent decrease compared to the 430 sales in December 2021. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,012,700. This represents a 0.2 per cent decrease from December 2021, a 1.5 per cent decrease compared to November 2022, and a 9.2 per cent decrease over the past six months. 


FRASER VALLEY:

Sales Volume

Sales volume was down by an average of 20-30% compared to November, depending on the area. For example, there was a 67% increase in condo sales in Mission, but let's be real - there were only 3 sales in November, so that stat is a bit misleading.

But how does this compare to historical trends? That's the more important question, as sales volume is naturally cyclical. When we look at the last 18 years of data, we can see that this past December had the 3rd lowest sales for any December, with a total of just 651 sales in the Fraser Valley. 

As for what will happen with sales now, it's tough to say. But I'm expecting the volume of sales to increase from these historical lows in the coming months. 


Listings

One strange thing about this market is that while prices have continued to fall and the volume of transactions has decreased, we've actually had a relatively low number of listings on the market! To give you an idea of how unusual this is, let's look at the last market crash in 2008/2009. We had a decrease in price and sales volume, but the listing inventory skyrocketed to record levels (10,474 listings in July 2008). This time, we still have a decrease in price and sales volume, but the listing inventory is near record lows under these market conditions (3,476 listings in the Fraser Valley in December). This is just something very strange that we're expecting to increase and we're keeping a close eye on.


Prices

Now, onto prices. The average and median prices were a bit misleading last month, so the best metric to look at this month is the Housing Price Index (HPI). (See Below)

Overall, prices in the Fraser Valley went down 2.1% just last month, which is the exact same decrease we saw the month prior. With the volume of sales so low in some areas, it's not looking like prices will stop falling anytime soon, especially if we see another interest rate hike on January 25th (which is very likely).


WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

So, my advice for this month is pretty much the same as it was last month. If you're in the market for a bigger place, now might be the perfect time to make the move. You'll probably "save" more money than you'll "lose" in the current market. Plus, the higher-priced homes have come down in price more than the lower-priced ones, making it possible for many people to make a move that wasn't possible before in the rising market.

On the other hand, if you're looking to downsize, you might want to explore options with your broker and realtor to see if there's a way to accomplish your goals sooner rather than later, or possibly even consider other options. It all depends on where you're at in life, whether you're retired or still have a working income, etc.


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New Strata Property Act amendments: What you need to know about the end of rental and age restrictions, and new virtual meetings permissions


  • Stratas can no longer enforce rental restrictions, except for short-term rental restrictions.
  • There are now only two age-related options for stratas: a bylaw requiring at least one resident in a unit to be 55 years-old or older; or no age restriction bylaw.
  • Stratas can now conduct annual and special general meetings virtually without a bylaw explicitly allowing them to do so.


The BC government’s Bill 44 amendments to the Strata Property Act are now in effect. These amendments end rental restrictions, all but one age restriction, and add the ability to hold virtual meetings without the need for a bylaw.

Here’s a quick overview of what these new rules will mean for your clients who own, or are looking to buy, strata properties.

Rental restrictions

  • Stratas can no longer enforce rental restrictions. For example, if a strata has a bylaw restricting rentals to a certain percentage of units, they can no longer enforce this rule.
  • This only applies to long-term rentals. Stratas can still enforce short-term rental restrictions.
  • Renters still need to follow other strata bylaws.
  • While owners currently renting out their units previously in contravention of a strata bylaw are no longer in breach of the bylaw, they are liable for any breach of a rental restriction prior to November 24, 2022 – when the amendments became law.

Age restrictions

  • There are now only two age-related options for stratas:
    • a bylaw requiring at least one resident in a unit to be 55 years-old or older; or
    • no age restriction bylaw.
  • All other age restrictions are unenforceable, including restrictions for older or younger ages. For example, a strata requiring residents be 60 years old or older can no longer enforce this rule.
  • This rule has no relation to rental restrictions – a 55+ strata can’t restrict rentals.
  • Live-in caregivers are allowed to live in age-restricted stratas, including caregivers under the age of 55, regardless of current strata bylaws.

Virtual/electronic strata meetings

  • Stratas can now conduct annual and special general meetings virtually without a bylaw explicitly allowing them to do so.
  • The strata council chooses the format of the meeting, which the council must include in the notice sent to residents.
  • Along with the date, time, and type of meeting, stratas must include instructions on how to attend.
  • Stratas can use any electronic meeting tool so long as it allows all meeting participants to communicate with each other, and the chair can determine if the participants are eligible voters.
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While typically a quiet month of market activity based on seasonal patterns, November home sale and listing totals lagged below the region’s long-term averages.

Sales

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,614 in November 2022, a 52.9 per cent decrease from the 3,428 sales recorded in November 2021, and a 15.2 per cent decrease from the 1,903 homes sold in October 2022.

Last month’s sales were 36.9 per cent below the 10-year November sales average.

“With the most recent core inflation metrics showing a stubborn reluctance to respond significantly to the furious pace of rate increases, the Bank of Canada may choose to act more forcefully to bring inflation back toward target levels.” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director, economics and data analytics said. “While it’s always difficult to predict what the bank will do with certainty, this persistent inflationary backdrop sets up the December 7 rate announcement to be yet another increase, making holiday-season home purchases something people may end up foregoing this year.”

Listings

There were 3,055 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in November 2022. This represents a 22.9 per cent decrease compared to the 3,964 homes listed in November 2021 and a 24.2 per cent decrease compared to October 2022 when sellers listed 4,033 homes.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,179, a 28.5 per cent increase compared to November 2021 (7,144) and a 6.8 per cent decrease compared to October 2022 (9,852).

“Heading into 2023, the market continues the trend of shifting toward historical averages and typical seasonal norms,” Lis said. “Whether these trends continue will depend on looming economic factors and forthcoming housing policy measures on the horizon, which hold the potential to reignite uncertainty in our market.

“With that said, from a long-term structural standpoint, the current pace of listings and available inventory remain relatively tight when considered against a backdrop of continued in-migration to the province. With the recently announced increase in federal immigration targets, the state of available supply in our market remains one demand surge away from renewed price escalation, despite the inflationary environment and elevated mortgage rates.”

Sales-to-active listings ratio

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for November 2022 is 17.6 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 13.2 per cent for detached homes, 19.7 per cent for townhomes, and 20.8 per cent for apartments.

Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

Home prices

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,131,600. This represents a 0.6 per cent decrease over November 2021, a 10.2 per cent decrease over the last six months, and a 1.5 per cent decrease compared to October 2022.

Broken down by property type

Sales of detached homes in November 2022 reached 486, a 50.8 per cent decrease from the 987 detached sales recorded in November 2021. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,856,800. This represents a 1.7 per cent decrease from November 2021 and a 1.9 per cent decrease compared to October 2022.

Sales of apartment homes reached 847 in November 2022, a 53.7 per cent decrease compared to the 1,828 sales in November 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $720,500. This represents a 3.5 per cent increase from November 2021 and a 0.9 per cent decrease compared to October 2022.

Attached home sales in November 2022 totalled 281, a 54.2 per cent decrease compared to the 613 sales in November 2021. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $1,027,900. This represents a 2.7 per cent increase from November 2021 and a 1.5 per cent decrease compared to October 2022.

 
 
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Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.